National Forests in North Carolina

Elk Pen TR 166

This trail was created for the movie Last of the Mohicans. It ascends through some of the oldest oak and poplar forests. The trail offers many possible loop trails in the area.

Total Length: 1.5 miles

Total Elevation Change: 740 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Beginning Point: NFSR 74

Ending Point: NFSR 74

Average Hiking Time: 1 hour (one way)

Amount of Use: Moderate

Blaze Color: None

Area Trail Map: South Toe River, Mount Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map

USGS Quad Maps: Barnardsville and Mount Mitchell

General Information

Directions:

From Burnsville, take US 19E for 0.5 mile and turn right onto NC 197S. Stay on this road for 25 miles through Pensacola and Cane River Gap to Barnardsville. The road is paved, changes to gravel and is paved once again. Turn left at the intersection of NC 197 and NC 2173 (Dillingham Road) and follow this road which becomes NFSR 74. Follow this gravel road for 0.6 mile to a pull-off on the right. The trailhead is about 15 feet ahead on the right.